Host and guest toasting with authentic home-cooked meal
Guests enjoying a home-cooked meal together
Friends sharing dumplings and authentic home cooking
Guests toasting and celebrating at a local home dinner

The best restaurant in Shanghai isn't a restaurant.

Experience authentic, home-cooked meals hosted by locals.

Ni Hao! We are +1 chopsticks

In Chinese culture, when we invite friends over for dinner, we say "ε°±ζ˜―εŠ δΈ€εŒη­·ε­ε—"β€”it's simply adding a pair of chopsticks.

That's our mission: providing curated, affordable home dining for travelers who want more than a tourist menu.

Wait, home dining in China? I never heard of that

Yup. Because it didn't exist until we made it happen.

"Real, authentic, local" are what we hear travelers want the most in China. What's better than going to a local's home to enjoy a local meal?

Sounds fun! Who are the hosts? Can they cater my dietary needs?

Our diverse community of hosts includes families, couples, and young professionals who share passion of cooking and meeting new people. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, we'll match you with the perfect host.

No matter whose table you join, one thing is guaranteed: we will carefully accommodate all your dietary needs and restrictions to ensure a perfect meal.

All hosts are verified by the platform on the readiness to host, including language capability, food style and hygiene, and home environment.

Meet your new friends in Shanghai.

Chuan 川
βœ“ Verified

Chuan 川

Guangxi-Guangdong-Southeast Asian Fusion

Chuan's culinary journey began in childhood when she couldn't find delicious, lightly-oiled stir-fried eggplant in resta...

Jiading Ayi
βœ“ Verified

Jiading Ayi

Ancient Shanghaiese style

Auntie Lee β€” a true daughter of Jiading Old Town, the very cradle of Shanghai's famous soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao). S...

Norika and Steven
βœ“ Verified

Norika and Steven

Northern-Southern fusion

Hi! We are avid travelers who have been to more than 60 countries, and just set our foot on all seven continents on eart...

How It Works

1
πŸ‘€

Browse

Explore our curated selection of local hosts and their unique dining experiences.

2
πŸ“…

Book

Select your preferred date and time. The host will confirm your booking.

3
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³

Prepare

Confirm any dietary needs and get ready for an authentic culinary experience.

4
🍽️

Eat

Enjoy delicious home-cooked food and meaningful conversations with your host.

About Us

Steven completing 7th continent

Steven completing 7th continent and the lovely AdΓ©lie penguin

Home dining at Peer's place in Copenhagen

Home dining at Peer's place in Copenhagen

Home dining at Ahmed's place in Fez

Home dining at Ahmed's place in Fez

Steven teaching a new friend how to play '15-20', a famous Chinese drinking game

Steven teaching a new friend how to play '15-20', a famous Chinese drinking game

Hi, I'm Steven

I'm the founder and CEO of +1 Chopsticks. Born and raised in Hong Kong, I have studied in the US, married my beautiful wife from Tianjin, and lived and worked in China for more than 15 years.

My Travels & Passion

I'm an avid traveler who's been to 60+ countries and all seven continents. I enjoyed making new friends everywhere, and have shared numerous stories at my friends' homes from Copenhagen, Denmark to Fes, Morocco; from Nairobi, Kenya to San Paolo in Brazil. These became my favourite travel memories!

Bridging Cultures

I'm the author of the "China vs the West" series as I'm deeply passionate about bridging the gap, debunking the myths, and showing the authentic China to everyone. In the era of AI, I believe real connection is the new luxury. Meeting a new friend at home is going to foster better connections than at a restaurant!

Professional Background

I'm a proud MBA graduate from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. I'm a seasoned management consultant and a serial entrepreneur in the hospitality and education sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about dining with us

Booking & Logistics

Concerns & Safety

For Hosts & Partners

Love cooking and meeting new people?

Join our community of hosts and share your culinary passion with travelers from around the world. It's easy, rewarding, and fun.

πŸ’°

Earn income doing what you love

Set your own prices and keep 80% of earnings

🌍

Meet travelers from around the world

Build meaningful connections and share your culture

🏠

Flexible hosting schedule

Host when it works for you, no minimum commitments

Sookie hosting

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